Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Granite 9 W Review
The Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Granite 9 W has solidified its place as a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts for over a decade. This shoe is designed to offer you the ultimate hiking experience, combining style, functionality, and reliable performance. Whether you're hitting the trails or navigating rocky terrains, this hiker promises to keep your feet comfortable and protected.
Building on the success of its predecessors, version 3 introduces several enhancements such as an improved supportive insole and a softer midsole, ensuring you can tackle any adventure with confidence.
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Features
- Waterproof membrane seals out water while allowing moisture to escape.
- Pigskin leather and breathable mesh upper for durability.
- 100% recycled laces and webbing for eco-friendly appeal.
- Bellows tongue design effectively keeps debris out.
- Protective toe cap adds an extra layer of safety.
- 100% recycled mesh lining enhances breathability.
- Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support.
- Molded nylon arch shank offers excellent stability.
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and promotes stability.
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole provides stability and comfort.
- Vibram TC5+ rubber sole ensures superior traction.
Pros
- Exceptional out-of-the-box comfort that requires no break-in period.
- Durable materials that withstand rugged terrain and weather conditions.
- Excellent traction thanks to the Vibram outsole, perfect for various surfaces.
- Environmentally conscious design with the use of recycled materials.
- Versatile styling suitable for both hikes and casual outings.
Cons
- Some users may find the fit slightly narrow; it's advisable to try before purchasing.
- Weight may be heavier compared to minimalist hiking shoes.
- The price point might be higher than budget options, but the value justifies it.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Merrell Moab 3 | Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX | Columbia Redmond V2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight | Moderate | Lightweight | Lightweight |
| Traction | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Support Level | Medium | High | Low |
| Eco-Friendly Materials | Yes | No | Yes |
Detailed Review
The Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Granite 9 W excels in multiple categories, making it a standout choice among hiking footwear.
Comfort: Users consistently rave about the immediate comfort this shoe offers. The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole supports your foot’s natural shape, providing stability without sacrificing plushness, which is crucial for long hikes.
Durability: Constructed with pigskin leather and robust mesh, the Moab 3 resists wear and tear remarkably well. This durability, combined with protective features like the toe cap, allows you to tackle rough terrains without worry.
Performance: The Vibram TC5+ rubber sole delivers excellent grip on various surfaces, whether wet or dry. Hikers appreciate the traction that the shoe provides, which is vital when navigating steep inclines or slippery paths.
Breathability: Despite its sturdy construction, the shoe remains breathable due to its mesh lining, balancing warmth and ventilation. This feature is particularly appreciated during warmer months or strenuous activities.
In summary, if you are serious about hiking and need a dependable companion, the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Granite 9 W checks all the right boxes.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Immediate comfort with great cushioning. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Built to last, even in tough conditions. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Superb grip on various terrains. |
| Breathability | 8/10 | Good airflow while maintaining protection. |
| Eco-friendliness | 7/10 | Utilizes recycled materials in construction. |
User Reviews
This is a very nice shoe , the 3rd pair I have had so far. Very comfortable and durable. The insert comes out which is great to air/ dry it out or if you have your own insert you like to use instead. The past pairs have held up quite well so I assume this will also. One issue I had on my last pair was the toe reinforcement material eventually ripped open, it's a thin material. Shoe was otherwise fine.The sizing in my opinion runs a bit small length wise (or my feet grew as I got older). I ended up going with 1/2 a size larger then my typical size. Feels right now.I'll probably will buy a 4th pair if still around when these get retired./G
I returned the shoes for poor fit
I’m a big Merrell Moab fan. I also have another pair of these (not waterproof) for hot and dry hiking conditions, and a pair of high tops for backpacking and especially rough terrain. They have terrific tread (but since they also have a thin insole, that makes for a hard sole, so I find them a bit uncomfortable for extensive walking on pavement or surfaced trails, and use well-padded running shoes for those surfaces). But for dirt, sand, slickrock, and forest trails, they are fantastic. And extremely durable—these shoes definitely won’t fall apart on you. I’ve had my high tops for six years now and logged hundreds of miles in them. I particularly like the fact that Merrells are available in wide sizes that comfortably fit my wide feet. In short, I highly recommend them! (And my usual hiking buddy bought a pair on my recommendation, and he loves them as much as I do!)
Been wearing Merrell shoes for years. Bought these because my old pair were getting a little old. These shoes are great. Got to test their waterproofness recently while trying to get to my car during a huge downpour. No problem, dry feet!
These shoes are really sturdy and look great. They're comfortable and provide decent support with a good insole (aftermarket, the one it comes with lasts like a week), but there's a big caveat. I've never experienced a shoe less slip resistant in my life. If the surface is wet, you will have zero traction. The shoe may last like 20 years but I think I'd honestly rather have a little wear and tear on the outsole than have to walk like my life depends on it every time it rains or I enter a wet area at work (because it does).
The shoes are a little stiff, but nevertheless very comfortable. I use them to go walking for exercise in heavy rain and they have proven worth the purchase. The no-slip soles also work great on wet sidewalks (and some limited experience in ice). No regrets.
Merrell's are one of the best for shoes and sneakers. They fit well, albeit a bit small. I would consider a 1/2 to a size up from your normal size.
These shoes are GREAT. I bought a pair for work because they are waterproof and we work in wet environments a lot, but they were so comfortable and well made that I bought another pair to wear at home too. (To have a clean pair that I could go out in public with.) I was looking for this style in a Colombia, Keen, or North Face, but found a style that I like better at a better price with this brand.